R360 Players Hit With Decade-Long Ban from Australia's Rugby League

Australian rugby league's authority has declared that athletes who sign with the “breakaway” R360 will be prohibited for 10 years.

The proposed competition, which plans to launch in 2026, is aiming to attract rugby union and rugby league players with lucrative deals and a slimmed-down game calendar.

Prominent rugby league stars have reportedly received offers by the new league, which will feature six or eight men's clubs and four women's teams located in large metropolitan areas around the world.

Samoa's the player, who represents his NRL club in the competition, has confirmed he has had talks with the breakaway league.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Gray are also said to be thinking about signing the rebel league.

A group of union teams, among them Australia, last week announced a restriction on R360 recruits participating in international matches.

“We've listened to our franchises and we've responded strongly,” said the league's head the official.

“Regrettably, there will persistently exist entities that seek to pirate our sport for economic benefit.

“They don't invest in development systems or the growth of talent. They merely capitalize on the dedication of others, putting players at risk of financial loss while benefiting financially.

“They are, in reality, copying the game.”

The organization is co-founded by former England World Cup winner Mike Tindall and funded by private investors.

Subsequent to the potential rugby union sanctions were revealed earlier, it commented: “We seek to cooperate together as part of the worldwide fixture list.

“The competition is arranged with customized calendars for men's and women's teams and the organization will allow all athletes for international matches, as specified in their agreements.”

The new league will seek approval for its initiatives from the international authority, union's administrative organization, at its official gathering next year.